This title examines an important historic event – the Chernobyl disaster. Easy-to-read, compelling text explores the background of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, events leading up to the disaster, responses to the accident, key people involved, and the short-term and long-term effects of the incident on society and the environment. Features include a table of contents, a timeline, facts, additional resources, Web sites, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Essential Events is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.